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The Cracklock Saga #2

The Lost and the Departed

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There are other places, other realms, and they are wonderful. But not for much longer if the Cracklocks have their way. Jack's world has changed beyond all comprehension. He has Faery friends, his dad's whereabouts are a mystery, and his estranged family want him in their custody. And then there's the mysterious tube, the one with the blue eyes that talks in your head. The Cracklocks need Jack for their wicked plans, and nothing and nobody is going to stand in their way of Faery’s destruction. Nothing except Jack and his friends. And that is going to be more difficult than they would ever believe... An adventure like no other, where the monsters aren’t just from Fairy Tales. What happened to David Cracklock? And why is the family ageing children prematurely? When fanatics wants to exterminate you, the catacombs under Cracklock Manor are certainly no place for a Fae… Book 2 picks up directly from Book 1. Things are going to get complicated…

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2021

2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

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C.A. Deegan

6 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Tracey Gerrard.
Author 10 books69 followers
January 14, 2023
Engrossing Read!
The Lost and The Departed is the 2nd book in The Cracklock Saga and starts where book 1 finishes.
Elsie is in hospital and Sammy now knows the whole story behind the Cracklock family after Elsie gets a visit from her cousin Malchiah. In the meantime, Jack and his friends are shocked when they come across a talking tube named Roly.
This story really takes you on one epic journey as Jack and his friends travel to different realms as they try to combat the evil doings of the other half of the Cracklock family.
The author does an amazing job at keeping you engrossed throughout the story as the plot thickens and new characters are introduced. I loved how we got a little back story from Sammy, which helped to understand what had happened to her husband David and why she had no memory of it. The characters are absolutely brilliant— I do have my favourites.
A little darker than the last story, The Lost and The Departed is very well written, full of excitement, adventure and suspense, which will have you gripped all the way through. Looking forward to book 3. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Ruth Taylor.
Author 5 books6 followers
April 12, 2022
New realms, Fae and other magical creatures, a really enjoyable in-depth fantasy story that keeps on giving and won't let you put it down. Didn't want it to end and can't wait for the next book. five stars.
Profile Image for Katherine Black.
Author 32 books115 followers
June 30, 2023
Book 2: The Lost and the Departed: The Cracklock Saga takes readers to a very different world, and we’re privy to the fantastical struggles the brilliant characters come up against. Like the first book in the series, this one had me captivated and engrossed in its well-designed plot.


The story picks up from the first book, and takes us into a world that has changed for Jack. The author weaves elements of fantasy, and suspense, creating an adventure that keeps you reading, even when you need sleep. We have a mystery to solve, and wicked plans cast a shadow over the world Jack comes to love. He misses his dad and life is tough with him gone.


One of the highlights is the depth of the characters. Dorcas is my favourite. Her role is to keep her loved ones safe at any cost. I love her loyalty and humour, and her interactions with Jack and the family are endearing. We all need a Dorcas the Brownie in our lives.


The catacombs beneath Cracklock Manor make a chilling backdrop, adding tension to the high-stakes storyline. This is a must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and intricate world-building.
C.A. Deegan has crafted a spellbinding tale that will leave readers wanted the next instalment—and they don’t have to wait, because it’s already available. With its engaging plot, and the charm of his people, this book earns a well-deserved five-star rating.

Dive into the The Cracklock Saga and set off on an adventure like no other! A great read.
522 reviews27 followers
November 8, 2021
Fantastic read!


Whilst hospitalised, Elsie is visited by an elderly gentleman, Malchia Cracklock, who claimed to come in peace. Elsie knew different and sent him away but only after the truth came out. The past 12 years memories needed reinstalling, Elsie had to come clean and help Sammy remember. Her recall went back to the day the Redcaps came for Jack and the quest to prevent the realm being destroyed begins.
This is the 2nd book in the Cracklock Saga series. I've read the first and this did not disappoint. I'm so glad though the author started the book with 'the story so far' as it's a great recap. In the initial chapters, the story jump back to memories of how the situation actually occurred to present day, which gives a great base to the story. The thrills and spills gather pace as the story progresses and the suspense and excitement really ratchets up to a whole new level as the ending approaches. Really well written, thoroughly gripping plot, really enjoyed. Look forward to the next. Great job!
Profile Image for Denise -Marie.
213 reviews29 followers
March 3, 2022
The Suspense is Rising What's Next!!!
It's one of those books that just keeps you tuned into the unfolding drama, action, and suspense in a world very much like our own - where you grow attached to the characters. It's an edge-of-your-seat adventure extremely well written and developed. It's great for all ages, albeit it can be dark in places Fae or Foe the first book in this series - the hint is in the title and you'll be unraveling the mystery of whose doing what until the very last page! Can't wait for the rest of the series!!!
Profile Image for Graham Stanley.
Author 9 books19 followers
November 9, 2021
An enjoyable paranormal fantasy

An accomplished paranormal fantasy story.
This is the second part of a magical adventure, following a teenager, Jack, who is being chased by the Cracklocks. Although he doesn’t believe in faeries, Jack ends up with faerie (or Fae) friends, who help him on his quest to find out what has happened to his father. CA Deegan has created an engaging world that is entertaining and well-written. Look forward to book number three.
Profile Image for rob.
398 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2021
Suspenseful

I like the author gives you brief description of what happened in the first series in this supernatural book series. It begins with Elsie in the hospital, Sammy freaking out, and Malachiah appears and is not welcomed by the two. The Cracklock family is definitely a divided family, you don’t know who to trust. This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
148 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2021
I want more!!!

I read the first book of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In book two, the author did not disappoint! Into the first couple of pages in the last chapter, I knew that I was not ready for this book to end. I am eagerly anticipating the time when I'm able to read the next installment of this series.
Profile Image for Amanda Burton.
28 reviews
November 20, 2021
Even better than Book 1! LOVING this series!

What a fabulous read. I really appreciate how the author manages to keep this appropriate for younger readers without it being at all childish or simple. I would have loved this series when I was younger and I love it as an adult. I cannot wait to see what's next!!!
2 reviews
November 16, 2021
Amazing!

Absolutely loved the first book, this was even better! Awesome characters (especially Fermy!) another fantastic adventure and I honestly can't wait for book 3. I've recommended this series to everyone I know.
Profile Image for Deborah Nock.
Author 6 books5 followers
November 24, 2021
Another cracking read!

Really enjoyed this. Full of adventure, excitement, non-stop action. Just what every book should have. The characters are really coming into their own and romance is in the air! Can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Amy Walsh.
Author 8 books323 followers
December 12, 2021
Another Great Piece of the Cracklock Puzzle

What a dynamic cast of characters! Get ready for strange creatures like talking tubes, an evil family willing to go terrible lengths, and even a journey into the faery realm!
Profile Image for Jessi.
Author 9 books60 followers
November 24, 2021
Thrilling

Children aging in this very well written series. I love how the author describes everything happening to the characters perfectly.
Profile Image for Peter Okonkwo.
Author 5 books55 followers
July 21, 2022
THE LOST AND THE DEPARTED BY CRAIG DEEGAN

Action-packed, full of suspense; book three, now!

"Hello, gentlemen. Which one of you is Master Jack Cracklock?" An excerpt from page 116.

Following on from Anastasia's attempt to have Jack in the first book, Fae or Foe? It's exciting to see this mystifying story develop into another adventure of The Lost and The Departed, just like Fae or Foe, this book interestingly held me captive until I finish indulging my emotions in it.

In the first couple of chapters, Sammy was helped by Elsie to remember the scenarios of events that befell her husband, David who had gone missing for a long time, memories of his whereabouts were obscure to her, the glamor placed over Sammy made her believed that David was dead. She had lived through time nurturing a fake idea of her husband's whereabouts, when she gained some knowledge, she couldn't hold her tears.

The cruel lady, Anastasia, was furious about what had happened the day before, her son, Benedict had been terribly hurt, and she determined in her mind that she was going to deliver Jack to Aunt Agatha, and whilst doing it, she would inflict as much pain on David and Sammy. She schemed with Malchiah, another lousy character to have Jack delivered to Agatha.

The introduction of Roly, and the silly LaFey twins is quite intriguing to me. Again, Anastasia had connived with Mason and Tyler to look after Jack's house and notify her whenever they're back, while reading this part, I comically said to myself, "the LaFey twins aren't contented with their already made trouble, seem they want more..." but they'd no option, their hatred towards Jimmy, and greediness made them comply easily.

My favorite crews: Dorcas, Fermy, Jack, and Jimmy, after escaping the Lisovyk and after they've met their new friend, Roly - eventually got home, they were shocked to see everywhere in shambles, Dorcas narrated what had happened to Sammy and Elsie, they were all taken aback. However, Elsie and Sammy arrived home, they met with others and became strongly united, after some deep conversation, it was time to visit Roly's world, when they arrived at Roly's Realm, they were able to learn some interesting facts that could be of help to them, the Focus, Dr. Cracklock's indulgence, and most importantly, David's disappearance, he had been there, he had left a letter for Timothy on the Altar.

They returned home, and the LaFey twins, after sensing their return quickly informed Anastasia. They were in the house when Anastasia and Malchiah showed up unannounced. Jack, Jimmy, Fermy, and Dorcas were meanly attacked, and Elsie was left defeated. I love Anastasia's characterization, though I hate her personality, however, I love the way she speaks, she has a style of speaking cruelly but humorously, one that makes for an interesting read. The book displayed some level of humor in the characters' conversation, just like the section where Roly and Jimmy were dealing with the obstinate LaFey twins, I laughed uncontrollably reading this part.

It was interesting to know that old Binks was instigated by Dr. Cracklock and his witch mother. Sammy, and Jimmy, through the help of Roly, had an agreement with him, they loosed him, and hide him inside the Cartulary, in exchange for the location of their captured friends. When both terms had been met, they set on their way, there are some funny experiences on the way, many of which cracks me up, I admire Jimmy's shrewdness, especially the way he dealt smartly with the guards.

I shall resist revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler-free, but it was interesting to read about the capture of Jack by Malchiah and Agatha, and how he was made to travel to another realm in search of the Realm Pillar, he was forced and threatened to do this, otherwise, the life of his friends will be in danger. However, there are a lot of interesting turns out from here, Jack met with his grandad, he acquired some knowledge, returned, and the whole story took another awesome transition.

One feature that I admire about this book, and with which Craig never fails at, is making the story read scenically, I admire his storytelling techniques, his style of writing is one that I'd love to learn from, his word-building, character development, plot twist, reads quite dynamically, one with which you can paint imagery in your head and view each chapter as if you're watching a movie, this is undoubtedly a perfect literary work. What more can I say? I look forward to reading the third book series, and I'd recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and literature at large.
Profile Image for Joni Martins.
Author 23 books47 followers
November 10, 2022
Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: The Lost and the Departed
Subtitle: (The Cracklock Saga #2)
Author: C.A. Deegan
Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 2
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Jack Crackley’s life isn’t what he thought it was. This book follows on where the first left off and Jack now knows about the plight and the danger the Fae world finds itself in. Can he help them to survive when his evil family is set to destroy the Fae world and their own if needed?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and action-filled.
What I didn’t like about the book:
Like the first in the series, it was difficult to put the book down, and I was at risk of not getting enough sleep (just kidding, the book was just that good).
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the second book in the series, I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the next.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Like stories about faeries and goblins? This is a story like no other.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes

If you like fiction with a bit of fairy dust, but lots of action and evil goblins, too, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
There are other places, other realms, and they are wonderful. But not for much longer if the Cracklocks have their way.

Jack's world has changed beyond all comprehension. He has Faery friends, his dad's whereabouts are a mystery, and his estranged family want him in their custody. And then there's the mysterious tube, the one with the blue eyes that talks in your head.

The Cracklocks need Jack for their wicked plans, and nothing and nobody is going to stand in their way of Faery’s destruction. Nothing except Jack and his friends. And that is going to be more difficult than they would ever believe...

An adventure like no other, where the monsters aren’t just from Fairy Tales. What happened to David Cracklock? And why is the family ageing children prematurely? When fanatics wants to exterminate you, the catacombs under Cracklock Manor are certainly no place for a Fae…

Book 2 picks up directly from Book 1. Things are going to get complicated…
About the Author:


Profile Image for Aaron Goodall.
93 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2022
I really enjoyed the first in the Cracklock Saga and was excited to pick up the second. Lucky for me, C.A. Deegan does not disappoint and has created a sequel that keeps the tone and spirit of the original but delves deeper into its mystery.

I really enjoyed reading the adventures of Jack and Fae continuing. Their relationship was strong in Book one, yet still growing, and the author really drives home just how codependent they are on one another (or not on occasion). There are some returning characters that I enjoyed seeing, and the introduction of some new people and monsters that are both strange and intriguing (Tobias, for example). There are some scenes later on that are darker than I expected, which is great because I think this is the sort of series that grows with its audience. It may be for teens/YA but as an adult I appreciated the world and the drama within.

The writing is crisp and clean and the dialogue is great. I really cannot fault this series. I hope that the third book is not too far away as I will be picking it up then. This is one to keep for when my own kids are a little bit older.
334 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2022
An outstanding sequel

This picks up straight after the events of the first book. Elsie is in hospital and Jack and his friends have met a strange creature called Roly after the monster attack at his school. After Elsie receives an unwelcome visit from the evil Malchiah Cracklock it sets off a thrilling chain of events where they have to stop the evil Cracklocks audacious and barbaric plan to destroy all the magical realms in order to kill all fairy kind. When Jack and mum Sarah learn that Jack's dad may not be dead, Jack must travel across various realms to save every thing and to find answers. It all ends in an explosive (the pun is intended) finale at the Cracklocks mansion but the last few pages sets up an intriguing 3rd book which I cannot wait to read. The writing is once again fantastic. It has a touch of Terry Prattchet to it. If you like his Discworld series then you will love this.
Profile Image for Lucas W Mayberry.
Author 3 books35 followers
August 17, 2023
An outstanding sequel

This picks up straight after the events of the first book. Elsie is in hospital and Jack and his friends have met a strange creature called Roly after the monster attack at his school. After Elsie receives an unwelcome visit from the evil Malchiah Cracklock it sets off a thrilling chain of events where they have to stop the evil Cracklocks audacious and barbaric plan to destroy all the magical realms in order to kill all fairy kind. When Jack and mum Sarah learn that Jack's dad may not be dead, Jack must travel across various realms to save every thing and to find answers. It all ends in an explosive (the pun is intended) finale at the Cracklocks mansion but the last few pages sets up an intriguing 3rd book which I cannot wait to read. The writing is once again fantastic. It has a touch of Terry Prattchet to it. If you like his Discworld series then you will love this.
Profile Image for Jeanette Ford.
Author 25 books28 followers
September 20, 2023
Now I can say that, because book 1 ended on something of a cliff-hanger (I hate them!), I had to quickly get to book two! I loved the tube-like characters that were so much fun. In the hands of the bad folk, they had to do something rather terrible, but after Jack ‘freed’ them, they were then able to fight on the side of right. I know that children will love these stories – and obviously I’ve not grown up, because I love them too, and know other adults who also love them! Thankfully, this one has a ‘proper ending,’ which meant although I have book three, I can take my time getting to it – but it won’t be long! I think Mr Deegan has created a book full of characters whose actions and antics will keep readers enthralled. You don’t like fantasy? Neither do I, all that much! But I say, give it a go – you might well be very surprised, as I was. If you read with your children, it will be a mutual enjoyment, I promise.
Profile Image for S.S. Saywack.
Author 9 books35 followers
September 11, 2022
The second book in the Cracklock trilogy has it all like the first book: adventure, suspense, a gripping plot, everything you’d want in a fantasy book. The book is more mysterious than the first, and darker, but grows in intriguing ways, going deeper into the mystery. As the book concludes so the excitement grows. The Cracklock trilogy is proving to be a well-put-together series for teens and YA, but one that can be enjoyed by adults as well. It is particularly well-written and quite captivating. I have particularly enjoyed the world-building, a richly detailed magical world that has been invented, the characters, and the excitement, and I look forward to book three in the series. Well done CA Deegan for an inventive and entertaining series.
Profile Image for Hilly Barmby.
Author 3 books14 followers
December 26, 2024
We pick up where Book 1 left off, but this YA tale continues to crank up in intensity. We follow Jack, his best mate Jimmy (who I think is wonderful and everyone should have a best mate like him), Aunt Elsie and their Fae friends, Fermy, Dorcas and Timothy, as they struggle against the world-ending master plans of the evil side of the Cracklock family. But now, Jack’s mum Sammy, has had her memory restored, and she knows the danger they are all in. There are other worlds full of strange creatures that try to help (I love ‘friend Roly’), species enslaved, the threat of annihilation, spells and counter-spells, good and evil, and through it all, this little band of strange friends fight to save all their worlds. But their struggle is nowhere near the end…
Profile Image for Gail McGuire.
83 reviews10 followers
July 21, 2025
Each Book Builds Excitement and Fun
I’ve now enjoyed three books by this this author, Dorcas and Books one and two of the Cracklock saga. I’m in for the whole series! Book two hits a suspenseful pace in no time and kept me enthralled throughout. I love the world-building in these books. I can picture the scenes and characters vividly. The plot in this installment is wonderfully inventive with layers of intrigue, and newly introduced characters that made the story pop. Some of the action scenes had me squirming for release. The Lost and the Departed is a rollicking fantasy adventure at its finest that has me hooked. I highly recommend the works of this talented author. Exceptionally fun!
Profile Image for C.G. Jaquish.
Author 9 books23 followers
April 14, 2023
Excellent follow-up!

Another great book in the Cracklock Saga that slowly reveals more and more with every chapter. The mystery is mounting as both sides of the family go head-to-head, culminating in a chase scene worthy of the cinemas! Your favorite characters return from the first book, and you get to meet a few new instant-favs as the story unwinds and leaves you ready for book three. As an American, I'm particularly excited to meet the American Cracklocks, so I'll definitely be picking up the next book!
Author 3 books16 followers
May 26, 2023
I loved the second book in this dark Fae series. The bad characters are so deliciously evil and the fight against them is edge of your seat stuff. At times the odds seemed so stacked against our protagonists that it made me read twice as fast to find out how on earth, or if they even would get out of their predicaments. The tension is palpable throughout the book and takes you on a journey of woe and joy in equal measure. I recommend this series for anyone who likes a great fight between good and dark evil. I for one loved it.
475 reviews10 followers
February 19, 2023
Our fifteen-year-old hero has to decide whether fae are real, and if so, whether they are good or bad. His thoroughly untrustworthy relative Malchiah believes they're bad for religious reasons. The adventures are good; the writing is good; the characters come from the previous book and give you a whole world of their own. YA fantasy at its best.
Profile Image for Anthony Hulse.
Author 40 books131 followers
August 2, 2025
Yet another excellent and enjoyable read from this talented author. We are taken on a magical and enthralling journey as Jack and his friends travel various realms and encounter an array of strange, mystical characters. A tale of good versus evil. Wonderful dialogue, vividly described, and a definite page turner. I look forward to the next instalment.
Profile Image for Feather Chelle.
Author 25 books48 followers
November 11, 2021
So much more adventure with our beloved characters

I absolutely adore this series. My children are beginning it as well. I am sure that they will be anxiously awaiting the next book, as am I…
Profile Image for Damien Lee.
Author 3 books41 followers
July 23, 2022
Mr Deegan has the art of storytelling down to a T! What a rollercoaster this series is so far! It has twists and turns, gathering speed throughout, and a deep mystery, complemented by fantastic characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Molly Garcia.
Author 36 books154 followers
December 27, 2022
Always a cliff hanger!

Each book adds to the plot but the cliff hanger endings push you onto the next book! Highly recommend series
Profile Image for Dani Jenkins.
288 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2023
Very enjoyable. I like seeing the different realms, it's interesting. Excited to see what happens now that a new group of Cracklocks have been introduced.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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